Dr. Al-Roken is a prominent Emirati human rights defender and lawyer, and the former President of the Emirates Jurists Association. He has previously urged the UAE authorities to undertake political policy and legal reforms in the country. He has advocated to halt the violation of human rights and encouraged the government to join International covenants, agreements and related protocols protecting human rights. Moreover, he provided legal assistance to victims of human rights violations in the United Arab Emirates, including to other human rights defenders.
In recognition of his courageous human rights work, Dr. Al-Roken was awarded the 2017 Ludovic-Trarieux International Human Rights Prize.
Dr. Al-Roken was arrested on July 17, 2012 as part of the massive crackdown of the ‘UAE94 Group’, and he was charged with conspiracy against the government, after calling for political reforms in the country and signing an online reform petition in March 2011 to demand an elected national council with full supervisory and legislative powers. Following his arrest, Dr. Al-Roken was detained in solitary confinement at an undisclosed location for 8 months, without access to his lawyer and his family.
Consequently, the signatories below express their concern about the situation of Dr. Al-Roken and his current detention conditions in light of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Consequently, the signatories urge the UAE authorities to:
Immediately and unconditionally release human rights defender and lawyer Dr. Mohammed Al-Roken.
Take all necessary measures to guarantee the physical and psychological integrity and security of Dr. Mohammed Al-Roken, and disclose his health status.